Everest Three Passes Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Three Passes Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek:

Are you considering trekking in the Nepal Himalayas and can't choose between the Everest Three Passes Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek? Both popular trekking routes offer chances to experience the attractiveness and culture of the region, but there are some vital alterations to consider before choosing.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is a more demanding trekking route, with better elevations and exacting hiking conditions. It requires crossing three high passes trekking including Kongma La Pass 5,535meteres, Cho La Pass 5,420meteres, and Renjo La Pass 5,320meters.

As part of the journey, you will also discover the Base camp of Everest located at around 5,364 meters high elevation and is the world's highest base camp. It generally takes 19 to 20 days to complete this trek, which is approximately 166km.

The journey to the Everest Base Camp trekking trail is short and less strenuous. It includes a trip to Everest Base camp but does not require crossing high massifs passes. You will trek through Sagarmatha National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas regions including the majestic Mt Everest, Pumari, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The trip covers 110 kilometers and normally takes 10 to 12 days, offering a sole and enchanting experience.

If you are looking for a good venture and enjoy pushing your physical limits, the Everest Three Passes trek might be ideal. If you have mid-physical fitness levels and prefer a handier trek, the EBC trek might be a fit for you.

Facts about the Everest Three Passes Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek:

Everest Three Passes Trek:

• Destination: Nepal Trekking
• Location: Everest Region
• Trip Difficulty: Challenging
• Duration: 19 to 20 Days
• The Main Highest Point: 5,535 meters
• Start and End Point: Lukla
• Best time: Spring and Autumn season
• Distance: 166Km
• Accommodation: Tea House and Lodges

Everest Base Camp Trek:

• Destination: Nepal Trekking
• Location: Everest Region
• Trip Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
• Duration: 10 to 12 Days
• The Main Highest Point: 5,364 meters
• Start and End Point: Lukla
• Best time: Spring and Autumn season
• Distance: 110Km
• Accommodation: Tea House and Lodges

Highlights of Everest Three Passes Trek:

• Crosses the three high passes including Kongma La Pass 5,535 meters, Cho La Pass 5,420 meters, and Renjo La Pass 5,320 meters.
• Discover the Mt Everest Base Camp, the world's highest base camp 5,364 meters above sea level.
• You can explore the Khumbu Glacier.
• Hiking to Gokyo Ri for Sunrise with Magical Mountains views.
• You'll see the delightful mountain views, including Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhoste, and Nuptse.
• Get an experience of the local culture and customs.
• Flora and faunas.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek:

• You can explore the Mt Everest Base Camp, which is located at 5,364 meters above sea level.
• Discover through the Sagarmatha National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encounter numerous Flora and Fauna.
• You'll see the Magical views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Island Peak, Pumari, Lhotse Nuptse, etc.
• Visit Khumjung Village and Hillary School.
• You can acclimatize at Namche Bazaae and Dingbuche.

Best Season for the Trek:

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring season is one of the perfect times for treks in the Khumbu region. This season, the skies are generally clear, making it easy to love the views of spectacular peaks and beautiful scenery. You can see royal panoramas of Everest, Pumari, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many other peaks.

During the spring season, you will see the rhododendron flowers come alive with vibrant colors. You will travel through splendid; red, white, and pink, which makes trekking more enjoyable. There will be moderate to high numbers of travelers on the route, mostly around renowned locations like Phadking and Namche Bazaar.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn season is another ideal time to trek in the Everest region. It offers some of the most crystal clear and remarkable mountain scenes. The skies are normally clear, offering panoramic views of Everest and other magical peaks. During the autumn season, you get exciting festivals like Dashain and Tihar. It makes your hike more interesting culturally because you can see and join with local festivals. The trekking trails might become busy, mainly in mid-September till November.

Which treks are suitable for me?

The Everest Three Passes trek is considered moderately demanding trekking in the Everest region, making it perfect for expert travelers with previous high-elevation experience and stamina. This trek includes trekking three high passes through isolated villages and taking in magnificent background. Because of high altitudes and passes, wide acclimatization is essential. This trek is idyllic if you are looking for challenging treks and want to travel around less crowded, rural areas. It takes 19 to 22 days to complete this journey.  

The EBC trek is moderately difficult and fit for trekkers with basic fitness levels. It includes seeing the gigantic vistas of Everest, learning about the Sherpa culture and villages, and visiting Everest Base Camp. You'll spend some time getting used to high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. It's better for individuals who love high adventure, around 10 to 12 days to complete and prepare for a moderately demanding yet rewarding trip.

Everest High Passes Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary:   

Three High Passes Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4,429 feet).

Day 02: Kathmandu — Tenzing Hillary Airport — Phakding (2640 meters/8,661 feet) ¾ Hours walking.

Day 03: Phakding — Manju — Namche Bazaar (3445 meters/11,302 feet) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 04: Acclimatization day at Namche.

Day 05: Namche – Tengbuche (3870 meters/12,696 feet) 5/6 Hours walking.

Day 06: Tengbuche — pangbuche — Dingbuche (4320m) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 07: Acclimatization day at Dingbuche.

Day 08: Dingbuche – Chhukung Village (4700 meters/15,416 feet) 2/3 Hours walking.

Day 09: Chhukung Village – Kongma La Pass (5560 meters/18241ft) – Labuche 4910 meters/16,108ft) 7/8 Hours walking.

Day 10: Labuche - Gorakshep (5185m/17011ft) ¾ Hours walking.

Day 11: Gorakshep - Kalapathar - Zhong La (4870 meters/15,977ft) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 12: Zhong La - Chola Pass - Thangnak Village (4690 meters/15,318ft) 7/8 Hours walking.

Day 13: Thangnak Village - Gokyo Lake (4780 meters/15,682ft) 2/3 Hours walking.

Day 14: Hiking to Gokyo Ri (5490meters/18,011ft)

Day 15: Gokyo Village - Renjo La Pass (5360 meters) - Lunden (4300 meters/14,104ft) 7 Hours walking.

Day 16: Lunden - Thame (3800meters/13,464ft) 5/6 hours walking

Day 17: Thame - Namche Bazaar (3445meters/11,302ft) 5/6 hours walking

Day 18: Namche — Phakding — Lukla (2860m/9,383feet) 6/7 hours walking

Day 19: Fly Back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trek:

Day 01: Kathmandu — Tenzing Hillary Airport — Phakding (2640 meters/8,661 feet).

Day 02: Phakding — Manju — Namche Bazaar (3445 meters/11,302 feet) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 03: Namche – Tengbuche (3870meter/12,696feet) 5/6 Hours walking.

Day 04: Tengbuche — pangbuche — Dingbuche (4320m) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 05: Dingbuche – Thukla - Labuche (4910 meters/16,108 feet) 5/6 Hours walking.

Day 06: Labuche - Gorekhshep (5185 meters/17,011 feet) ¾ Hours walking.

Day 07: Gorekhshep – kalapathar - Pheriche (4235m/13,894 feet) 5/6 Hours walking.

Day 8: Pheriche — Tengbuche — Namche Bazaar (3445 meters/11,302 feet) 6/7 Hours walking.

Day 9: Namche — Phakding — Lukla (2860m/9,383 feet) 7 Hours walking.

Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu.

FAQS

How Many Days to Complete the Everest Three Passes Trek?

It will take 19 to 22 days, depending on your time frame. It is one of the most demanding treks in Nepal.

How long does it take to complete Everest Base Camp?

The Trekking to Everest Base camp requires 10 to 12 Days, depending on your time frame and itinerary. The Everest trek route offers various Sherpa traditions, known as Mount Everest.

What is the difficulty level of the EBC trek?

The EBC trekking is somewhat moderate-difficulty level and ideal for trekkers with basic fitness levels required. It is maximum high elevation is over 5, 000 meters above sea level.

Is EBC trek crowd treks more than Three Passes trek?

The Everest Base camp is the most popular trekking destination and it is a more crowded trek than three high passes. Trekkers have chances to see the magical Himalaya views from the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar to experience the eye-catching vistas of Mt Everest, Pumari, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Conclusion:

The Three High Passes trek vs Everest Base Camp trek are challenging journey that requires a good physical fitness level. The EBC trek takes about 10 to 12 days with a night stay above 5,000 meters. But you'll spend a few more nights above 5,000 meters on the Everest three High Passes trek staying at a high elevation might be pretty hard and challenging. There is no choice among these trails. It depends on your time frames, budget limit, and other factors.